Fee for some dogs set at $700

RIDGEWOOD — The Village Council this week unanimously approved an ordinance increasing the licensing fee for those owning "potentially dangerous" dogs.

The ordinance — voted on during Wednesday night's meeting — increases the fee for dogs deemed "potentially dangerous" by a Municipal Court to $700. The new law does not specify breeds.

Currently, the lowest annual fee for a dog license is $18, and it maxes out at $75 for a three-year license.

Before the matter went to a final vote, several animal advocates and professionals from around the area spoke in support of the formation of a new committee in Ridgewood, charged with promoting responsible pet ownership.

Ridgewood resident Jeffrey Ball, who opposes the ordinance, said the mission of the volunteer committee would be to educate the public.

"Just raising a dangerous dog license fee does not correct a problem," Ball said, adding that the committee would cost the village nothing.

"It starts with education," he added, explaining that people often don't even know when or how to approach dogs.

The committee, as proposed by Ball, would be made up of residents and supply educational materials to the public, provided by the American Kennel Club.

Ball said the committee's focus would be educating pet owners of all types, not just dog lovers.

"My offer is there to assist," he said. "Ridgewood prides itself on education. No town has this committee; let's establish it and educate the public."

The council seemed amenable to Ball's proposal, but took no formal action on it Wednesday night. However, Mayor Paul Aronsohn said the proposal would be discussed at a future council meeting.